Why was Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans suspended?
It’s not the first time Evans has been suspended for an altercation with Lattimore. In 2017, the Bucs wide receiver was also banned for one game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season and wide receiver Mike Evans and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were ejected for an altercation during the game.
Through a press release, the NFL announced that it will suspend Evans for one game for violating the rules of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct. According to an ESPN report, the Buccaneers wide receiver will appeal the league’s decision.
If the appeal is lost, the 29-year-old veteran will miss the Bucs' home opener, when they face the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. To date, Evans has eight receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Jon Runyan, vice president of NFL operations, issued the suspension and sent Evans a letter stating that he may have caused serious injury to his opponent. Likewise, the executive said that the player’s attitude does not reflect the standards of sportsmanship that the league expects from a professional.
Also, this isn't the first time Evans has been suspended for an altercation with Lattimore. In 2017, the wide receiver was banned for one game for pushing the cornerback in the back.
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What does the regulation say?
NFL rule 12 is the regulation that refers to the conduct of players. The rule prohibits any unnecessary contact against a player who is out of play or one who cannot anticipate violent contact by an opponent before the start of the play or at the end of it. The guideline also forbids any act contrary to the principles of sportsmanship.